Molecular cell biology of cytoskeletal transport
Lead Research Organisation:
MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Abstract
For cells to perform their elaborate functions, various components must be delivered to the right place at the right time. This is dependent on the cellular equivalent of a railway system; tiny machines called “molecular motors” transport “cargoes” to their destination by traversing a network of tracks within the cell. However, it is not clear how these motors recognise different cargoes and how these cargoes are sorted to different destinations. This is not only a fundamental problem in cell biology but is also relevant to the understanding and treatment of diseases; aberrant transport processes are associated with neurodegenerative illnesses and motors are frequently exploited by viruses and bacteria during infection.
We are studying the detailed mechanisms of motor-based transport in a genetically tractable model organism, the fruit fly Drosophila. In particular we have focused on how molecules of mRNA, which code for the proteins within cells, are trafficked to different destinations. By using advanced microscopy to visualise mRNA transport in living cells and reconstituted on glass slides, we can address the precise functions of specific proteins in motor transport. We also work directly on the roles of motors in neurons so we can begin to understand what goes wrong in several neuronal diseases.
We are studying the detailed mechanisms of motor-based transport in a genetically tractable model organism, the fruit fly Drosophila. In particular we have focused on how molecules of mRNA, which code for the proteins within cells, are trafficked to different destinations. By using advanced microscopy to visualise mRNA transport in living cells and reconstituted on glass slides, we can address the precise functions of specific proteins in motor transport. We also work directly on the roles of motors in neurons so we can begin to understand what goes wrong in several neuronal diseases.
Technical Summary
Cytoplasmic transport of organelles and macromolecules by molecular motors is of fundamental importance for the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity. In addition, defective motor transport is implicated in neurological diseases and pathogenic viruses and bacteria frequently exploit cellular transport routes. The challenge of studying microtubule-based transport is that movements are driven by large macromolecular assemblies, with a single cargo often bound simultaneously by multiple opposite polarity dynein and kinesin motors.
Using a tractable model system in Drosophila embryos we have shed light on mechanisms responsible for polarised sorting of specific mRNA molecules by microtubule motors. We have revealed molecular links between localising mRNAs and dynein and used novel in vitro motility assays to show that long distance movement of the motor is activated by mRNA localisation signals. Recently, together with Andrew Carter’s lab at the LMB, we have used purified mammalian proteins to show that the adaptor protein BicD is a key factor in switching on dynein processivity. We have also elucidated the mechanisms of dynein regulation by Lissencephaly-1 and mRNA localisation signals.
We have also been investigating how cargo transport is orchestrated in neurons using the intact Drosophila nervous system as a model. We recently established a novel imaging assay in the adult wing and are using it to study the relationship between axonal transport and the healthy lifespan of neurons. We have developed and distributed optimised tools for CRISPR genome engineering in Drosophila, and are using these in several of our own projects.
Our long-term plans are to combine genetics, cell biology, structural studies and single molecule assays to understand the key processes that control sorting of cargos and pathogens by motors. This should have therapeutic relevance; for example, it may be possible to target drugs to discrete regions of the cell to maximise their efficacy or to develop agents that stimulate motor activity in order to alleviate problems associated with defective transport in neurodegenerative diseases.
Using a tractable model system in Drosophila embryos we have shed light on mechanisms responsible for polarised sorting of specific mRNA molecules by microtubule motors. We have revealed molecular links between localising mRNAs and dynein and used novel in vitro motility assays to show that long distance movement of the motor is activated by mRNA localisation signals. Recently, together with Andrew Carter’s lab at the LMB, we have used purified mammalian proteins to show that the adaptor protein BicD is a key factor in switching on dynein processivity. We have also elucidated the mechanisms of dynein regulation by Lissencephaly-1 and mRNA localisation signals.
We have also been investigating how cargo transport is orchestrated in neurons using the intact Drosophila nervous system as a model. We recently established a novel imaging assay in the adult wing and are using it to study the relationship between axonal transport and the healthy lifespan of neurons. We have developed and distributed optimised tools for CRISPR genome engineering in Drosophila, and are using these in several of our own projects.
Our long-term plans are to combine genetics, cell biology, structural studies and single molecule assays to understand the key processes that control sorting of cargos and pathogens by motors. This should have therapeutic relevance; for example, it may be possible to target drugs to discrete regions of the cell to maximise their efficacy or to develop agents that stimulate motor activity in order to alleviate problems associated with defective transport in neurodegenerative diseases.
Organisations
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, United Kingdom (Lead Research Organisation)
- Georgia Health Sciences University (Collaboration)
- University College London, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- University of California, Irvine, United States (Collaboration)
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Collaboration)
- University of Leuven (Collaboration)
- Max Planck Society (Collaboration)
- John Innes Centre, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (Collaboration)
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine (Collaboration)
- University of York, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- Medical Research Council (Collaboration)
- University of Dundee, United Kingdom (Collaboration)
- University of Bern (Collaboration)
- University of Cambridge (Collaboration)
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (Collaboration)
- AstraZeneca plc (Collaboration)
- Wellcome Trust, LONDON (Collaboration)
- Iwaki Meisei University (Collaboration)
People |
ORCID iD |
Simon Bullock (Principal Investigator) |
Publications

Akbari OS
(2015)
BIOSAFETY. Safeguarding gene drive experiments in the laboratory.
in Science (New York, N.Y.)

Amrute-Nayak M
(2012)
Single-molecule assays reveal that RNA localization signals regulate dynein-dynactin copy number on individual transcript cargoes.
in Nature cell biology

Barckmann B
(2015)
Aubergine iCLIP Reveals piRNA-Dependent Decay of mRNAs Involved in Germ Cell Development in the Early Embryo.
in Cell reports

Baumbach J
(2017)
Lissencephaly-1 is a context-dependent regulator of the human dynein complex.
in eLife

Bianco A
(2010)
Bicaudal-D regulates fragile X mental retardation protein levels, motility, and function during neuronal morphogenesis.
in Current biology : CB

Bullock SL
(2006)
Guidance of bidirectional motor complexes by mRNA cargoes through control of dynein number and activity.
in Current biology : CB

Bullock SL
(2007)
Translocation of mRNAs by molecular motors: think complex?
in Seminars in cell & developmental biology

Bullock SL
(2011)
Messengers, motors and mysteries: sorting of eukaryotic mRNAs by cytoskeletal transport.
in Biochemical Society transactions

Bullock SL
(2010)
A'-form RNA helices are required for cytoplasmic mRNA transport in Drosophila.
in Nature structural & molecular biology

Dienstbier M
(2009)
Egalitarian is a selective RNA-binding protein linking mRNA localization signals to the dynein motor.
in Genes & development
Description | BBSRC working group on gene drive research |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
Description | Centre for Science and Policy - Policy leaders forum |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Participation in a advisory committee |
Description | Contributed to a policy forum piece recommending guidelines for safe use of gene drive technology in the laboratory |
Geographic Reach | Multiple continents/international |
Policy Influence Type | Citation in other policy documents |
Impact | Cited by US National Academies of Science recommendations for guidelines on gene drive research. |
URL | https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4692367/ |
Description | AstraZeneca/LMB Blue Skies Fund |
Amount | £310,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | AstraZeneca |
Sector | Private |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2018 |
End | 08/2021 |
Description | Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds PhD Fellowships |
Amount | € 74,400 (EUR) |
Organisation | Boehringer Ingelheim |
Sector | Private |
Country | Germany |
Start | 03/2013 |
End | 09/2016 |
Description | DFG Research Fellowship (to JB) |
Amount | € 48,000 (EUR) |
Organisation | German Research Foundation |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Germany |
Start | 04/2016 |
End | 05/2019 |
Description | EMBO Long-term Fellowship |
Amount | £54,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | European Molecular Biology Organisation |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Germany |
Start | 01/2008 |
End | 12/2009 |
Description | Lister Institute Outreach Award |
Amount | £2,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 02/2011 |
End | 02/2013 |
Description | Lister Institute Summer Student Scheme |
Amount | £2,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 08/2014 |
End | 09/2014 |
Description | Lister Institute Summer Studentship Scheme |
Amount | £2,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 06/2018 |
End | 08/2018 |
Description | Lister Research Prize Fellowship (Mechanisms and neuronal functions of motor-driven transport) |
Amount | £200,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Lister Institute of Preventive Medicine |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 10/2008 |
End | 09/2013 |
Description | MRC Centenary Award |
Amount | £54,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 09/2012 |
End | 04/2013 |
Description | Marie Curie IEF |
Amount | £172,820 (GBP) |
Organisation | Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | Global |
Start | 07/2012 |
End | 06/2014 |
Description | NC3Rs David Sainsbury Fellowship (for AV) |
Amount | £195,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 07/2016 |
End | 06/2019 |
Description | Shedding light on differential mRNA localisation and RNP dynamics in vitro and in vivo |
Amount | £244,278 (GBP) |
Organisation | Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 04/2020 |
End | 03/2023 |
Description | Swiss National Science Foundation |
Amount | £50,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Swiss National Science Foundation |
Sector | Public |
Country | Switzerland |
Start |
Title | Antibodies |
Description | We have generated new antibodies to Drosophila proteins, which are available to other groups if they complete MTAs |
Type Of Material | Antibody |
Provided To Others? | No |
Impact | We have used them for important experiments. We have not yet had requests from others. |
Title | Fluorescent protein expressing flies |
Description | We have developed several transgenic Drosophila (fruitfly) lines expressing fusion proteins with molecular motors and adaptor proteins fused to fluorescent proteins or affinity tags. These are available to the Drosophila community by request at which point MTA requirements are reviewed. These reagents should be of interest to several Drosophila groups studying mechanisms of neuronal function and dysfunction. |
Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - non-mammalian in vivo |
Year Produced | 2013 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Results in a co-authored publication in 2013. |
Title | Optimised CRISPR/Cas Drosophila tools |
Description | We have generated transgenic flies expressing the enzyme Cas9 and plasmids for expression of gRNA. These tools can be used to efficiently create mutations in Drosophila. |
Type Of Material | Model of mechanisms or symptoms - non-mammalian in vivo |
Year Produced | 2013 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | The provision of the reagents will have a major impact on the research of many academic labs. We have already provided the tools to greater than 400 academic labs through the community stock centre and Addgene plasmid repository. They are being used to contribute to research advances in many areas of biomedical research. |
URL | http://www.crisprflydesign.org |
Title | Particle tracking software |
Description | A Mathematica code for tracking of fluorescent objects in cells with great precision |
Type Of Material | Data analysis technique |
Year Produced | 2006 |
Provided To Others? | Yes |
Impact | Provided to other researcher in the MRC |
Description | BICD2 and spinal muscular atrophy |
Organisation | University College London |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We provided structural analysis of human disease mutations in the BICD2 protein, an adaptor for the dynein motor, which cause inherited dominant spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity dominances (SMA-LED). |
Collaborator Contribution | Our collaborators identified patients with BICD2 mutations and characterised their phenotypes. The collaboration provided new insights for our own mechanistic studies of the BICD protein family |
Impact | Manuscript published in highly valued journal Brain. Manuscript will help clinicians with diagnosis of SMA-LED and counseling of affected families. Multi-disciplinary study using clinical genetics, molecular biology and structural biology |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing |
Organisation | Howard Hughes Medical Institute |
Country | United States |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | We have collaborated with the group to optimise the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system in Drosophila. We exchanged flies and results with the other group ahead of publication. |
Collaborator Contribution | We have collaborated with the group to optimise the CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing system in Drosophila. We exchanged flies and results with the other group ahead of publication. |
Impact | Manuscript published in PNAS describing our work, which is very highly cited. Licensing of transgenic flies generated to fly transgenic injection companies. Plasmids deposited at Addgene with over 500 requests to date |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Link between ALS and dynein-based transport |
Organisation | University of Leuven |
Country | Belgium |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are testing models for disease mechanisms using in vitro motility assays |
Collaborator Contribution | Our partners are generating hypotheses with in vivo experiments |
Impact | Relatively new collaboration, so no publications yet. Collaboration involves mouse genetics, neuronal imaging (both in Belgium), biochemistry and single molecule imaging (my lab). |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Mechanistic studies of dynein based transport |
Organisation | Medical Research Council (MRC) |
Department | MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We initially performed single molecule microscopy using proteins purified by our collaborators. We have since produced our own proteins to work on collaborative projects with single molecule microscopy. |
Collaborator Contribution | Production of recombinant and purified motor complex components. Structural analysis of dynein. |
Impact | Joint paper in EMBO Journal, which has been highly cited. Co-authors on a paper in PNAS, which has just been published. |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | Membrane trafficking in cortical neurons |
Organisation | Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have provided hypotheses, which are being build on by our collaborators |
Collaborator Contribution | Our collaborators are testing the functional requirements for novel dynein interactors in membrane trafficking |
Impact | Collaboration is multi-disciplinary (mostly neuroscience, advanced imaging, and cell biology) |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Motor recruitment |
Organisation | University of Bern |
Department | Institute of Cell Biology |
Country | Switzerland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have performed the majority of the experiments and designed the project |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided unpublished reagents used in the study |
Impact | The manuscript describing this work was published this year in Journal of Cell Biology |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Motor recruitment |
Organisation | Wellcome Trust |
Department | Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | We have performed the majority of the experiments and designed the project |
Collaborator Contribution | Provided unpublished reagents used in the study |
Impact | The manuscript describing this work was published this year in Journal of Cell Biology |
Start Year | 2010 |
Description | Motor regulation |
Organisation | University of California, Irvine |
Department | Department of Developmental and Cell Biology |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | N/A. The majority of the work was from our group. |
Collaborator Contribution | They helped in a minor way with data analysis for one of our papers. |
Impact | Their work contributed to the publication Bullock et al. 2006 |
Description | Motors and synaptic vesicle recycling |
Organisation | Iwaki Meisei University |
Department | Pharmacology Iwaki Meisei |
Country | Japan |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | N/A. We were the major contributors to the project |
Collaborator Contribution | Their work on electrophysiology of neurons made important contributions to our paper Li et al. 2010.Their work helped towards a publication of ours |
Impact | Manuscript: Li et al. 2010 |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Motors and synaptic vesicle recycling |
Organisation | University of York |
Department | Department of Biology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | N/A. We were the major contributors to the project |
Collaborator Contribution | Their work on electrophysiology of neurons made important contributions to our paper Li et al. 2010.Their work helped towards a publication of ours |
Impact | Manuscript: Li et al. 2010 |
Start Year | 2007 |
Description | Reconstitution of bidirectional mRNA localisation complexes in vitro |
Organisation | European Molecular Biology Laboratory |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have hosted a visiting worker from EMBL to work on a joint project that aims to reconstitute bidirectional mRNA transport |
Collaborator Contribution | We have trained the researcher and performed experiments |
Impact | Multi-disciplinary: genetics, single molecule imaging in vitro |
Start Year | 2019 |
Description | Regulation of dynein-mediated transport by a kinase |
Organisation | University of Dundee |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We performed RNA injections and analysis to characterise the effects of a mutation in a kinase on dynein-mediated mRNA transport |
Collaborator Contribution | Our partners are the major contributors to this project. |
Impact | A manuscript describing this work has been published in the journal Development. |
Start Year | 2012 |
Description | Regulation of mRNA transport in vertebrate neurons |
Organisation | University of Cambridge |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We provided assistance in establishing a novel assay of mRNA transport in live Xenopus neurons and in the quantitative analysis of mRNA motility. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our partners are the major contributors to the project. |
Impact | A manuscript describing the work is currently being prepared for submission. |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | Regulation of mitochondrial transport during ageing |
Organisation | University College London |
Department | Institute of Neurology |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We have recently been awarded funding from the NCR3s for a bilateral project. This will start in July 2016. However, we are already collaborating on the groundwork for the project. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our partners will perform work in mouse models using their expertise in imaging mitochondrial transport |
Impact | The collaboration is now being pursued by my former post-doc who has set up his own laboratory. Multidisciplinary: cell biology, genetics, mouse models, Drosophila models, intravital imaging |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Small molecules that alter microtubule-based transport |
Organisation | AstraZeneca |
Department | Research and Development AstraZeneca |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | We have established, together with Andrew Carter's lab at LMB, on a cellular assay for motor activity. |
Collaborator Contribution | The assay has been adapted by AZ and optimised for high content microscopy. |
Impact | Collaboration involves light microscopy, image analytics, chemistry |
Start Year | 2017 |
Description | Structure of motor complex components |
Organisation | John Innes Centre |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We designed the project and performed all experiments |
Collaborator Contribution | Helped with interpretation of structural data |
Impact | Manuscript published in Genes and Development 2013. |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | Structure-function analysis of an RNA binding protein involved in mRNA localisation |
Organisation | Max Planck Society |
Department | Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are generating CRISPR genome edited flies to validate atomic structures generated by our collaborators. We will then characterise the phenotypes of these flies. |
Collaborator Contribution | Structural and biochemical analysis of the RNA binding protein |
Impact | Too early in the collaborative process. The work should advance our knowledge of RNA binding proteins in RNA localization. |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | dynein function in oskar mRNA localisation |
Organisation | Georgia Health Sciences University |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We provided transgenic flies for this study. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our partners were the major contributors to this project. |
Impact | A paper describing the work has been published in the journal PLoS One |
Start Year | 2013 |
Description | oskar RNA localisation signal |
Organisation | European Molecular Biology Laboratory |
Country | Germany |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We provided substantial experimental work, which helped to map the dynein-dependent RNA localisation signal in the important mRNA transcript oskar. |
Collaborator Contribution | Our partners were the major contributors to the project. |
Impact | A manuscript describing the work has been published in the journal RNA. |
Start Year | 2011 |
Description | piRNA pathways |
Organisation | Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine |
Country | United States |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We helped them in a project related to how motors are associated with retrotransposon silencing by performing technically challenging microinjection experiments. |
Collaborator Contribution | We helped them in a project related to how motors are associated with retrotransposon silencing. This has since has practical implications for our own research. |
Impact | Publication: Navarro, Bullock and Lehmann, PNAS, 2009 |
Start Year | 2008 |
Title | CRISPR tools for Drosophila research |
Description | Optimised Cas9 endonuclease lines and gRNA expression plasmids for efficient genome engineering in Drosophila. Has been licensed to two commercial Drosophila injection companies. |
IP Reference | |
Protection | Protection not required |
Year Protection Granted | |
Licensed | Yes |
Impact | Will result in income for the MRC |
Description | 2019 LMB Science Image Award |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | I was a co-organiser of the LMB Science Image Award, which involves loaning microscopes to primary schools for their use. Schools can submit interesting images that the children have taken into our competition. Feedback from pupils and teachers was excellent, and we are running the event again this year. There was a write up of the activity in the Cambridge Independent newspaper. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/the-winner-of-the-2018-lmbs-schools-science-image-award-is/ |
Description | CRISPR fly design resource website |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
Results and Impact | Provides a major resource of information and protocols for CRISPR genome editing, particularly in Drosophila Reputational benefits for my group and the LMB and MRC within the fly community. Lots of positive feedback at conferences. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013,2014,2015,2016,2017 |
URL | http://www.crisprflydesign.org |
Description | Cambridge Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Designed and organised the See your Cells activity at the Cambridge Science Festival, which involved several MRC volunteers. Excellent feedback in the form of questionnaires submitted to the overall event organiser. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012,2013,2014,2015 |
URL | http://www.cam.ac.uk/science-festival |
Description | Cambridge Science Festival 2019 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | See Your Cells activity at Cambridge Academy of Science and Technology. Interactive, microscope-based exhibit that introduces public to cell biology and the work of LMB. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | http://www.microscopes4schools.co.uk |
Description | Consulted for BBC programme on cell biology |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | I was interviewed on several occasions for a BBC programme on cell biology |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
Description | Gene drive working group |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | I am part of the BBSRC working group on gene drive research. We are tasked with providing recommendations to the BBSRC, which will help shape their formal policy document on gene drive research. Our report is still in progress. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019 |
Description | Interview with Guardian newspaper on Gene Drive technology and control of insect borne diseases |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | As an expert in CRISPR genome engineering I was interviewed by the Guardian about a study on gene drive based population control of mosquitoes. The piece featured on the front page of the Guardian and on the newspaper's website. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2015 |
URL | https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/nov/23/anti-malarial-mosquitoes-created-using-controversial... |
Description | Interview with Sky news on CRISPR |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A broadcast e.g. TV/radio/film/podcast (other than news/press) |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | We were visited by Sky news as part of their piece on CRISPR technology. We advised them on the piece and were interviewed on camera. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
Description | LMB Open Day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | I was a co-organiser of this event which aimed to introduce the public to the work of the LMB. 2100 people visited. On the day I coordinated and participated in a set of tours of the different departments in the building. Overwhelmingly positive feedback left on feedback forms. Stimulated interest from school children in a career in biosciences. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
Description | LMB Open day volunteer |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Member of SB's team was a volunteer on the Cell Biology tours at the 2017 LMB open day. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/lmb-welcomes-2000-visitors-fun-packed-open-day/ |
Description | LMB Science Image Award 2020 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | I was a co-organiser of the LMB Science Image Award, which involves loaning microscopes to primary schools for their use. Schools can submit interesting images that the children have taken into our competition. Feedback from pupils and teachers was excellent, and we are running the event again this year. There was a write up of the activity in the Cambridge Independent newspaper. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
URL | http://www.microscopes4schools.co.uk |
Description | LifeLab outreach activity (Cambridge) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | One PhD student in my group helped run an exhibit on molecular motors. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/an-engaging-month-for-lmb-researchers/ |
Description | LifeLab outreach activity (Peterborough) |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Our 'See Your Cells' exhibit was part of the LifeLab (European Researchers' Night) set of activities in Queensgate Shopping Centre, Peterborough. We had many discussions with members of the public on MRC-funded research, as well as allowing them to participate in a fun microscopy-based activity. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
URL | https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/an-engaging-month-for-lmb-researchers/ |
Description | Microscope4Schools project |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Together with a post-doc in the division I initiated a project to take educational microscopes into primary schools to educate them and enthuse them about science and the work of the MRC. This project, which has been very well received, also included the development of a website (http://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/microscopes4schools/) allowing teacher, parents and pupils worldwide to learn how to buy and use cheap educational microscopes. We typically get approximately 300 visits to the website per day. We have had visits to the website from 163 countries. Others, including the Gurdon Institute and CIMR, have set up similar activities after witnessing our programme. Excellent feedback questionnaires from children. In some cases claiming that they now want to be a scientist when they grow up etc. That they understand that a goal of the MRC is to make discoveries that lead to new medicines or diagnostic tools. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011,2012,2013,2014,2015,2016 |
URL | http://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/microscopes4schools/ |
Description | One student composed music for LMB "Home in the Service of Science" artist in residence performance piece. Another student performed in the piece. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | LMB Home in the Service of science performance piece |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2016 |
URL | http://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/homeinsci/ |
Description | Organisation of LMB open day |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Organised tours of the Cell Biology division during the open day. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/lmb-welcomes-2000-visitors-fun-packed-open-day/ |
Description | Participation in policy forum with senior civil servants on genetic technologies "Policy leaders forum". |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Organised by Centre for Science and Policy, this was a gathering of experts in genetic technologies and senior civil servants from the UK government. Aim was to brief attendees on emerging genetic technologies and discuss commercial opportunities, biosafety issues and public engagement. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Science Image Award Competition for Schools |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | I co-organise this activity, which involves lending microscopes to local schools so that they can image the microscopic world in their locality. The schools enter their best images into an annual competition. The feedback is excellent: teachers report that children become enthused about the plants and animals in their gardens or school. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
URL | https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/microscopes4schools/award.php |
Description | Scientific presentation to Chairman of Wellcome Trust |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | Presentation of one of 4 LMB scientists on ongoing research to Sir William Castell Positive feedback to LMB deputy director |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2009 |
Description | Scientific presentations to DIUS |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
Results and Impact | One of three LMB scientists presenting primary research to members of DIUS as part of visits to assess new building proposals Positive feedback from DIUS on LMB science |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2007,2008 |
Description | See Your Cells at 2017 Cambridge Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | LMB exhibit that aims to educate children about the microscopic world and the importance of research into it |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Seminar to LMB non-scientific staff |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Other academic audiences (collaborators, peers etc.) |
Results and Impact | 60 non-scientific staff attended as part of the LMB program to engage them with research in the institute Was asked to present talk to MRC Ares mouse staff |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Seminar to MRC ARES mouse house staff |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Local |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | 30 mouse house staff attended Positive feedback |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2011 |
Description | Subject of a piece in the Cambridge Independent newspaper about work on cargo transport within cells |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | I was interviewed by the newspaper, which resulted in a two page article highlighting the work of my group and a collaborator at the LMB. The piece also covered our outreach project, Microscopes4Schools |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
URL | http://www.cambridgeindependent.co.uk/business/science/how-cambridge-scientists-are-exploring-the-in... |